IP India Grants Trademark Protection to ‘Ananda Bazaar’, ‘Patitapaban’, and SJTA Logo Linked to Puri Jagannath Temple

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has successfully secured intellectual property protection from the Indian Patent Office for two prominent terms associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri: “Ananda Bazaar” and “Patitapaban”. Alongside these, the SJTA logo has also been granted trademark approval, according to official sources on Wednesday.

This development represents a critical legal safeguard for the heritage and identity of the world-renowned 12th-century Jagannath Temple. By obtaining trademark protection, the SJTA can now restrict unauthorized use, production, sale, or import of goods bearing these protected names and logo, thereby preventing commercial exploitation that could undermine the temple’s cultural significance.

The move aligns with broader efforts to preserve the authenticity of symbols intimately linked to the temple’s traditions and religious importance. Officials revealed that the temple administration has submitted applications for intellectual property protection of several other names connected to the shrine, including “Jagannath Dham”. In total, 29 applications have been filed, with three—“Ananda Bazaar”, “Shree Patitapabana”, and the SJTA logo—already approved.

IP India has requested additional information regarding the remaining 26 applications before granting final approval. The SJTA has committed to providing the necessary details to complete the verification process and secure registration for these names in due course.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee welcomed the trademark approvals and expressed gratitude to the State government for supporting measures to protect the temple’s heritage. He highlighted the recent decision by the Odisha government to remove the word “Dham” from the Digha Jagannath Temple, emphasizing that Puri is the original abode (Peetha) of Lord Jagannath.

"On behalf of the Shrimandir administration and the entire servitor community, we welcome this decision," Padhee stated. He further noted the administration’s proactive approach in filing 29 trademark applications to safeguard the temple’s cultural assets.

The intellectual property protections are expected to strengthen the legal rights of the temple administration and serve as a deterrent against unauthorized commercial use of sacred terms and symbols associated with Jagannath culture.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in the preservation of one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centers, ensuring that its identity and heritage remain protected under intellectual property laws.